Head-to-Head Analysis
This analysis was generated using Azimuth's proprietary framework. Our data model transforms federal education data into actionable insights. Learn about founder Daniel Rogers, explore our research methodology, or see how we think about this data.
Updated January 2026 • Philadelphia, PA & Winston-Salem, NC
When students choose between Wake Forest University and Thomas Jefferson University, they're comparing institutions with fundamentally different access missions. Wake Forest operates as a highly selective liberal arts university in Winston-Salem, serving primarily affluent students.
Thomas Jefferson maintains broad access in Philadelphia, welcoming students from diverse economic backgrounds. Both deliver similar career outcomes despite serving vastly different populations — the question becomes which institutional culture fits your background and goals.
Median Student Debt at Graduation
$14,744
federal loans
$21,500
federal loans
Median Parent PLUS Loans
$32,255
borrowed by parents
$30,000
borrowed by parents
Wake Forest is predominantly social sciences-focused, with 25% of graduates earning degrees in fields like Political Science (146 graduates) and Economics (139). The institution balances this with 20% in business programs including Finance and Communications.
Thomas Jefferson concentrates on health professions, led by Nursing (383 graduates) and Health Sciences (93), alongside business and design programs. These different program emphases reflect each school's mission: Wake Forest prepares students for traditional professional careers, while Thomas Jefferson focuses heavily on healthcare and applied fields.
For students from diverse economic backgrounds seeking healthcare or applied career paths, Thomas Jefferson University delivers strong outcomes while maintaining broad access — serving 34% Pell recipients versus Wake Forest's 9%. Wake Forest offers a traditional liberal arts experience with higher completion rates, making it the better choice for affluent students seeking the classic selective college environment.
The data reveals both schools achieve similar earnings outcomes, but through different pathways serving different populations. The right choice depends on your family background, academic preparation, and whether you value institutional selectivity or accessibility in your college experience.
Key Takeaway
The numbers are close, but the best school depends on your goals, values, and career aspirations.
This comparison was generated using Azimuth's proprietary ROI framework, developed by founder Daniel Rogers. Our methodology transforms federal education data into actionable insights for families.
This comparison uses Azimuth's proprietary ROI model based on U.S. Dept. of Education data. View Full Methodology.
This content is for educational and informational purposes only and should not be construed as financial, investment, or professional advice. Consult a qualified advisor before making any financial decisions.
College Azimuth is a private research initiative and is not affiliated with the U.S. Department of Education or Federal Student Aid.
